WASHINGTON, D.C. - A significant new breakthrough in the measurement of women's empowerment in developing countries is launched today. The "Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index" (WEAI) is the first measure to directly capture women's empowerment and inclusion levels in the agricultural sector.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, at a White House event, Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched the Agency's new 2012 Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Policy to reinvigorate and focus USAID's efforts to combat human trafficking around the world.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, February 27th, representatives from Feed the Future (FTF), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) of Oxford University will brief on the "Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index" (WEAI). The Index will be launched on February 28th at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development will unveil its Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance, at a ceremony on Monday, February 27, at 4 p.m. in the Ronald Regan Building's Point 4 Conference Room.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Tuesday, February 28th, the "Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index" (WEAI), will be launched at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The WEAI is the first ever measure to directly capture women's empowerment and inclusion levels in the agricultural sector. Women play a critical role in agricultural growth in developing countries. Yet they face persistent obstacles and economic constraints, limiting further inclusion in the sector.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is aiming to establish a sustainable local market and industry for clean cooking solutions in Haiti, a country whose high demand for charcoal has contributed to widespread deforestation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the University of Nebraska announced a new partnership to expand research and development capacities in the Middle East, with a focus on water management. USAID Administrator, Rajiv Shah and University of Nebraska President, James Milliken signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today that hopes to increase food production and improve water management in the Middle East.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today in Rome, Italy, at a high-level meeting to discuss the deterioration of conditions in the Sahel region of Africa, USAID announced an additional $33 million in funding to support food needs across the region. The funding will also support programs to protect assets and livelihoods of the most affected and ensure that vital nutrition support is in place before the lean season.

WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and The Western Union Company, have extended the application deadline for the African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) to March 2. The ADM is an initiative that encourages sustainable economic growth and employment by supporting diaspora entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs who are U.S.-based and have a demonstrated relevant connection to, or experience in, Africa.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is changing the name of its Office of Military Affairs to the Office of Civilian Military Cooperation (CMC), highlighting its evolving role in enabling civilian-military cooperation in development and security.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, at a White House innovation event, and echoing President Barack Obama's commitment and vision for a greater focus on development through innovation, science and technology, Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced the final Higher Education Solutions Network Request for Applications (RFA) to build new opportunities through partnerships with universities and colleges.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Two new studies published today in The Lancet have demonstrated that a 4 percent chlorhexidine solution is an effective intervention to reduce neonatal infection and mortality when applied to the umbilical cord within hours of birth.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will host a forum on how sport is being used as an innovative and effective tool in international development and public engagement. The event will bring together high-profile speakers including Two Time All-Pro Wide Receiver with the Green Bay Packers Greg Jennings; former National Football League (NFL) Linebacker and founder of BowTieCause.org Dhani Jones; Phil de Picciotto, Founder & President Octagon, Inc. and USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah. The panel will be moderated by noted American political sportswriter Dave Zirin and will be preceded by remarks from former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

In a demonstration of their strong partnership and joint commitment to strengthening primary health care throughout Iraq, USAID's Primary Health Care Project in Iraq (USAID/PHCPI) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) held a three-day national workshop entitled “The Development of Primary Health Care is the Optimal Investment to Improve the Health Situation in Iraq” from January 21-23, 2012. The workshop was hosted under the patronage of and presided over by the Iraqi Minister of Health.

Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Donald Steinberg, swore in Teresa McGhie as the new Mission Director for Angola. This will be McGhie's first posting as Mission Director, where she will oversee programs supporting democracy and governance, local elections, economic growth, and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI).

In his joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on December 12, 2011, President Barack Obama noted that “In the coming years, it’s estimated that Iraq’s economy will grow even faster than China’s or India’s.”

BAGHDAD–Business training offered in Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), supported by the U.S. Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is helping shape a new generation of Iraqi entrepreneurs.